The Ouachita Tigers (4-7) hosted No. 2 Central Missouri (1-0) on Thursday, for a single nine-inning non-conference game. The Tigers started off strong, leading 4-1 after five innings, but were unable to hold off a late rally by the Mules and eventually took their first home loss by a final score of 9-4. The Mules posted eight runs over the last four innings in the game to defeat the Tigers.
Ouachita’s Ryan Westover started the game for the Tigers, pitching 5.1 innings while giving up four runs, only two of which were earned. Westover recorded nine strikeouts before exiting the game. Ben Gielow came in to relieve Westover before eventually being credited with the loss. Gielow pitched a single innning, giving up one run while recording a strikeout. Ouachita ended up pitching six players before the end of the game. Keegan Ghidotti, Brock Green and Tom Ward all recorded doubles in the game, while Ward, McCrae Jones and Clayton Brandt all finished with an RBI. Parker Norris finished with a 2-of-4 performance from the plate, while Ward finished with a 2-of-3 performance. Ward also recorded a team-high 13 putouts in the game for the Tigers.
Central Missouri’s Adam Maddox received the victory, while Ethan Gibbons started the game for the Mules. Gibbons went three innings deep, giving up six hits and four runs to the Tigers. Maddox threw 2.2 innings while only giving up one hit and recording four strikeouts. Lead off hitter Gabe Thibodeau led the Mules, finishing the day with a 3-of-5 performance from the plate while recording two RBI’s, two runs and a walk. Thibodeau, John Oropeza and Jordan Coons all recorded doubles for the Mules.
Ouachita left 10 runners on base, while the Mules left 14 of their own. The Tigers committed three errors in the game, coming at crucial times and ultimately costing them the lead and the game.
Ouachita returns to action on Saturday, when they host Kentucky Wesleyan for a weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
Pictures by Wesley Kluck
